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Numerous demonstrators opposing Madagascar's head of state were accompanied on the roads of the capital city on Saturday by soldiers from an premier army unit, who previously that day stated they would not shoot at activists.

Marching With Military Vehicles

Protesters walked alongside soldiers from the Capsat squadron, who piloted heavy transports, some brandishing national flags, from their base in Soanierana in the southern district of Antananarivo.

Appealing to the Crowds

A Capsat commander, Lylison René de Rolland, then addressed the supportive masses in front of the municipal building in 13 May Square, which protesters had earlier been denied entry to. Capsat troops installed the incumbent president, Andry Rajoelina, to leadership in a coup in 2009.

Raising Tension on the President

The military's involvement increased strain on Rajoelina, who activists have been insisting on step aside. The youth-led demonstrations broke out on 25 September, initially over water and electricity cuts. However, they swiftly expanded into calls for a complete overhaul of the government system, with the gen Z protesters not satisfied by Rajoelina firing his cabinet last week.

Law Enforcement Actions

Previously that day, police used stun grenades and chemical irritants to try to break up the activists. The recently appointed minister of the armed forces also appealed to soldiers to "remain calm", at a news conference on Saturday.

"We appeal to our comrades who are against us to prioritise dialogue," military minister Deramasinjaka Manantsoa Rakotoarivelo stated. "The Malagasy army is still a mediator and represents the state's last line of defence."

Troop Defiance

However, a Capsat officer accompanied by a large group of military personnel urged other troop formations to "disobey commands to shoot your comrades", in a video that was published on online platforms before they departed from their barracks.

"We must combine efforts, army, paramilitary and police, and refuse to be paid to shoot our comrades, our brothers and our compatriots," he said, also urging troops at the airport to "block all planes from departing".

"Close the gates and wait for our directions," he declared. "Disregard commands from your officers. Point your weapons at those who command you to shoot at your comrades-in-arms, because they will not look after our loved ones if we perish."

President's Silence

Nothing has been posted on the head of state's social media accounts since Friday night, when he was photographed discussing with the leaders of 10 of the state's universities to address enhancing students' lives.

Activist Apprehensions

An protester who joined that day's rallies said she was concerned about the participation of Capsat, due to their involvement in the 2009 coup that propelled Rajoelina to leadership. She also condemned political figures who made short speeches to the crowds in front of the municipal building as "self-serving individuals".

"For this purpose I'm not celebrating at all, because all of those individuals involved in this 'development' are all dangerous," stated the activist, who requested anonymity for concern for her security.

Gen Z Perspective

A member of the youth movement, a decentralized group of students that has assisted in organizing the rallies, also raised questions about what would happen next. "We are very happy, but significant events are unfolding [and] we wish to avoid another untrustworthy person to take the power here, so we will employ all means to have the privilege to select who to place in power," he commented.